Hydrangeas for the Southern Garden
May 17, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Etcetera
There is no more quintessential southern shrub than the hydrangea. It is a beloved old-fashioned plant that graced our grandmothers’ gardens. Back in the day, nothing said “summer” like the large brilliant mophead flowers in pink and blue that bloomed one time but lasted for weeks. Today, with reblooming cultivars available on the market, the [...]
DIY Garden Art – Cement Leaf Casting
May 17, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Garden Views
If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive way to add some unique art pieces to your inside and outside space, then this project is for you! Local artist and master gardener Jan Fruit took me step-by-step through the process of making cement leaf castings. The finished pieces can be used as wall plaques, [...]
Easy Tips to Add Curb Appeal
April 23, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Home Improvement
Spring is in the air and it’s time to refresh your outside space. Whether you are trying to sell your house or just want to make your front landscape more attractive, try some of these easy tips guaranteed to increase the curb appeal of your home. Focus on the entrance Think beyond neutral and paint [...]
Fayette Master Gardeners Host Annual Plant Sale and Garden Tour
April 15, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Garden Views
Local master gardeners always appreciate a good rain but are really hoping that on Saturday, May 5th, there will be blue skies and sunny weather for their annual plant sale and garden tour. The plant sale begins at 8:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m. or until the plants are all sold! This much-anticipated event [...]
10 Tips to Host a Great Garden Party
March 15, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
As warmer days arrive and your garden springs back to life, why not share your outside space with family and friends by hosting a garden party? You can’t beat the beauty of nature and the lift to your spirits when you are outside. Whether you are planning a formal wedding or just having a casual [...]
Tips to Make Your Own Custom Floral Arrangements
March 6, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Garden Views
Spring in just around the corner and blooms will soon be busting out all over! By learning a few simple design tips, you can use the greenery and flowers in your own garden to create custom displays that will look amazing and cost next to nothing! In March, members of the Peachtree City Garden Club [...]
PTC Garden Club Tip of the Month
March 6, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Home Improvement
Home centers and plant nurseries are starting to stock up on their inventory of beautiful plants for spring. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the vast selection and choose plants that most appeal to you rather than what will work best in your particular site. Before purchasing plants, make sure you understand the [...]
Tips to Grow a Lush Lawn
March 3, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under outdoor
As springtime approaches, we yearn for the smell of a freshly-mown lawn. While we are weeks away from getting out the mower, you can begin preparations now to grow a lush lawn this year. To get expert advice, I talked to George Long, a Fayette master gardener extension volunteer with a degree in Agriculture and [...]
The Legacy of Alice Redmond
February 8, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Good Stories
Alice Redmond is a classy lady with a great sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye. I first met Alice at church and was immediately impressed by her warmth and smile, not to mention her taste in jewelry! But Alice is more than a well-accessorized southern woman. She has a deep faith in [...]
Nostalgic “Gone With The Girls” Getaway to Tara Country
January 30, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Travel
Step back in time and pamper yourself and your best girl friends in true southern belle style with a day trip to Jonesboro and McDonough – Tara country! You’ll discover some important Civil War history, see an amazing Gone With The Wind display and enjoy luxuriating at an upscale spa. Your journey begins with a [...]
Smart and Green Gardening Resolutions for 2012
January 12, 2012 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Garden Views, Home Improvement
Even if you don’t make (or keep) New Year’s Resolutions, I know you are interested in living smarter and saving money. As you consider ways to make small changes in your life, don’t forget to review your gardening practices. “Greener” gardening can save time and money and lets you enjoy your landscape while doing your [...]
PTC Garden Club Shows Off Holiday Centerpieces from the Garden
December 16, 2011 by Bonnie Helander
Filed under Etcetera, Garden Views
The Peachtree City Garden Club held its annual Christmas Brunch on December 15 and club members decorated the tables with eye-popping centerpieces created from natural elements in their gardens. Take a look at these festive and fun centerpieces and get inspired to design your own holiday focal points with greenery from your outside space. It’s [...]